Political Quotes

On the record
In England, and in all other monarchies at the time, this power was the exclusive prerogative of the Crown, so that war was justly called “the last reason of kings.” The framers of our Constitution naturally refused to vest this kingly prerogative in the President.
Said by
Charles Sumner
Massachusetts

Editor's note · Context

Sumner emphasizes the distinction between the powers of the Crown in monarchies and the limitations placed on the President by the U.S. Constitution.

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